“I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good, not disaster—to give you a future, a glorious hope, and exceedingly beyond all you can ask or imagine.” (Jer.29:11+ Eph.3:20).
Heavenly Father, Hallelujah! This verse isn’t the private domain of one nation, a promise for an individual believer to claim. Rather, it’s your meta-promise that claims each of us and every nation (Rev.7)—everything above, on, and under the earth (Rev.5:13)—every scintilla of the cosmos and nanosecond of time. You’ve left nothing to chance but all things to Jesus—the creator, sustainer, and heir of everything (Col.1:15-20; Heb.1:2-3; Eph.1:10).
Thank you for being a planner, not suggester—author and perfecter of our faith, not initiator and observer. We really don’t have to be afraid of anything—in life, death, and in between.
Now our “in-Christ-ness” doesn’t make us immune to pain, but it does mean we are pregnant with glory (Rom.8:22-26). Our groans aren’t meaningless suffering; they are wonder-filled aches. Jesus is being formed in us (Gal.4:19), and all creation is in the “labor and delivery room” awaiting the arrival of the new heaven and new earth. It’s supposed to hurt; birthing is never easy, always messy, and takes longer than we wish.
We know that until the Day of “all things new,” “stuff” happens. But, Father, your sovereignty eats “stuff” for breakfast, lunch, snacks, supper, and dessert. Every circumstance, consequence, and coincidence serves the purposes of your providence. This doesn’t make us numbed-fatalists but your fully engaged children.
You are at work in us and through us. We’re not just in Christ; we’re also on mission—characters in and carriers of your great Story of redemption. Our labors in the Lord are never in vain. You will fill the earth with your glory on the perfect Day. Evil will be eradicated. “Jesus Who died shall be satisfied, and earth and Heav’n be one.” So Very Amen.
